San Francisco Opera posts fiscal surplus

San Francisco Opera ended its fiscal year with a budget surplus, thanks in part to a 6.2 percent rise in ticket revenue.

For the 2007-2008 season and fiscal year, the Opera reported a $141,377 surplus on its annual operating budget of $72,531,193. It sold more than $24 million worth of tickets, and operating revenue grew from $30.1 million to $38.9 million. Philanthropic donations to the annual fund also rose by more than $7 million -- from $31.1 million to $38.9 million. Over 10,000 individuals made contributions.

During the past season, the Opera staged 82 performances of 12 operas to more than 240,000 audience members.